Know if You're Ready to Wear a Panty Liner
So your best friend's wearing them. So is your cousin, classmate, and pretty much everyone else. What exactly are panty liners, and should you wear one? Read on for more...
Steps
- Understand what exactly a panty liner (or "pantiliner") is. A panty liner is similar to a pad or sanitary napkin, but a little lighter, thinner and not used to soak up too much of your menstruation or period blood. It can be used to absorb daily vaginal discharge, post-intercourse discharge, or even a light period flow. Never use just a panty liner on a heavy day.
- Use them just before when you expect your period to start or on the last days when your period is light. Liners are useful since you don't notice them as much as pads and can feel more flexible and comfortable.
- Use panty liners a few days after your period, or to collect vaginal discharge. Discharge is the yellowy white stuff that you can sometimes spot on your knickers. It's a pain to wash off when it dries, which is why wearing a panty liner really helps. This is common during ovulation.
- Keep one or two in your purse handy if you have discharge quite rarely.
- It's also good to keep a pack if you're going through puberty (developing chest, mood swings, growth spurt etc) as spotting and irregular periods can be frequent.
- Panty liners are small enough to fit into a wallet and can be a life-saver if you get an unexpected period. It won't be as absorbent as a pad but can provide some protection until you get your period supplies.
- Discover the wonders of puberty and menstruation. It can be exciting to know you're maturing, but you need to know some facts. If you don't have a mature female figure in your life you can ask a friend,friend's mother, your doctor or a female teacher. All women experience this and most will be happy to explain without embarrassment.
- Shop around for good panty liners that suit you and your body shape. For heavy discharge, you will need very absorbent sanitary pads. For medium discharge, regular pads, and for light discharge, you can use a pad for light flow or a panty liner.
- Some women need a thicker and longer sanitary pad for nighttime. Since body shapes differ your nighttime needs may differ. You may only need a liner for sleeping.
- Some top liner brands are Carefree and Lil-lets. A good idea for girls just starting their periods is to buy the Lil-lets starter pack which has a types of pads,liners and tampons plus a booklet and a handy make up bag. This is a good idea if your unsure about your period and don't really know where to start with supplies.They are targeted to girls your age, and they have plenty of information on their websites that can provide more information.
- Some offer a light fragrance or a fragrance-free to help combat associated odours. Period blood doesn't actually smell before it comes 'out', it's just when the blood mixes with air that bacteria can start to grow and form odour. Lots of girls worry about smelling but ,as long as you change your pad or liner every 3-4 hours or your tampon every 6-8, nobody will notice a faint smell. It's a matter of personal preference, but fragrance has been known to sometimes irritate.
- Panty liners are often used as a backup for tampons to catch any leakage and prevent embarrassing situations.
- Make sure you keep the appropriate supplies handy. Many women keep a supply of liners, pads and tampons available in their bathrooms or storage cabinet.
- Keep a small makeup bag (use the free gift-with-purchase from makeup companies or pick up an inexpensive, small bag) in your locker, purse or backpack with liners, pads and/or tampons in case of emergency. Not only will the bag keep everything organized, it will keep your supplies free of dirt and debris, but you won't risk awkward situations should you spill the contents or have someone standing too close while you are looking in your bag.
- You'll also have the supplies you need when you need them.
- This is a good idea if you are about the age when girls start their periods but haven't yet. You don't want to be unprepared.
Tips
- Don't be scared or embarrassed to talk to a friend or a girl about it. It happens to all girls. The panty liners will really help and it will save your underwear. If you start your period, it will be good enough until you can get a pad.
- Just ask your mom about it! It may be hard at first but it's really worth it. Don't be worried about it, for its all part of growing up.
- If you're nervous about getting your period, this is a good way to avoid having an accident. You can put one in your panties every morning when you get dressed.
- If you're scared or nervous, take your friend, sister or maybe your mom with you. Don't sweat!
- If you're nervous about telling your mum about starting your period, make up a code word for "I've had my period" that only you and her know, so when you do start the whole family doesn't find out!
- Try to get something fun-Libra, for example, has facts printed on the liner stickers. This will make you a little less weary about wearing the liner.
- Make a small bag with a pad, possibly a tampon, and a pantyliner for school if you haven't started your period yet.
Warnings
- Never flush a liner or pad down the toilet. It should be decomposed, so put it in dust bin, out of kids' reach.
Things You'll Need
- A make-up bag
- Some pads
- Some liners
- Maybe some tampons for when you're ready
- A change of underwear (just in case)
- Perhaps a few wipes to carry on feeling fresh
